September 10, 2021 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – New England Revolution News Release
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The Supporters’ Shield-leading New England Revolution (16-4-4; 52 pts.) are set to host fourth-place New York City FC (10-7-4; 34 pts.) on Saturday night at Gillette Stadium. The match kicks off at 7:00 p.m. ET on TV38, myRITV, and CoziTV, as well as on the radio via 98.5 The Sports Hub and 1260 AM Nossa Radio.
The first-place Revolution head into the final 10-game stretch of the MLS regular season with double-digit leads in both the Eastern Conference (14 pts.) and the Supporters’ Shield races (10 pts.). Saturday’s match is the third and final meeting between the two sides this year, with New York City handing New England its only loss over the last 11 contests – a 2-0 defeat on August 28 – in the most recent encounter. The Revolution lead the all-time series against the Bronx Blues, 8-6-4, including a 4-2-2 record at Gillette Stadium and a 1-1-0 mark this season.
New England returned to its winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Philadelphia last Friday, behind midfielder Matt Polster’s game-winning tally and goalkeeper Brad Knighton’s eight-save shutout. Friday’s win also featured the return of captain Carles Gil, who missed the entire month of August with a muscle injury. Gil, who played 24 minutes as a substitute, remains a strong candidate for the MLS Landon Donovan MVP Award as the league leader in assists (15) and chances created (86). The Designated Player from Spain needs five assists over the next 10 games to surpass the club’s all-time record set by Steve Ralston (19) in 2002 and become only the fourth MLS player with 20 helpers in a season.
If the Revolution register a win on Saturday, New England will match the club’s all-time record of 17 victories, set in 2005 and 2014. In both of those seasons, the Revolution won the Eastern Conference title and advanced to MLS Cup. The Revolution, 9-1-1 in Foxborough this season, lead MLS in home wins and have outscored opponents 9-4 en route over the last three matches at Gillette Stadium, all victories. New England has reached double-digit home wins only five previous times in club history, most recently in 2017.
New York City enters Saturday’s match with a 2-5-3 road record this season. Second-year head coach Ronny Deila’s side is winless over its last six away matches, following last Friday’s 2-0 loss at third-place Nashville SC. New York City’s attack is led by reigning MLS Player of the Month Valentin Castellanos, who leads the league in shots (99) and shots on goal (45), while ranking tied for fifth in goals scored (11).
September 11 Remembrance and Salute to Heroes
The Revolution will host the club’s annual Salute to Heroes match on Saturday, honoring military and first responders as the nation commemorates 20 years since the September 11 attacks. During the performance of the National Anthem, the American flag will be unfurled on the Gillette Stadium turf held by representatives from USO New England, the Wounded Warrior Project, and Tuesday’s Children. All active and retired military and first responders will be honored during halftime as Heroes of the Match. Revolution players will wear jerseys featuring American flag-themed numbers, which will be auctioned after the match to benefit 9/11- based charities. In addition, fans are encouraged to visit the newly unveiled memorial garden at Patriot Place located between Lots 5 and 4 near the Gillette Stadium Pro Shop, as well as the Revolution Fan Zone in Lot 4A, which will feature a display remembering the tragic events of September 11.
Game 25 vs. New York City FC
Date: Saturday, September 11, 2021
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET
Location: Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, Mass.)
BROADCAST INFORMATION
TV: WSBK-TV38, myRITV, CoziTV
Talent: Brad Feldman (play-by-play), Charlie Davies (analyst), Naoko Funayama (sideline)
English Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub
Portuguese Radio: WBIX 1260 AM “Nossa Radio USA”
Here are a few top storylines to watch for on Saturday:
The Revolution remaining on pace to challenge the MLS records for points (72 – LAFC, 2019) and points per game (2.13 – LA Galaxy, 1998) in a season.
New England winning to tie the club’s single-season record of 17 victories, while the Revs also approach records for points (59), goals (55), and assists (66) in a season.
The Revs’ attack continuing to pace MLS in goals (45), assists (47), passes into the final third (1428), and fast breaks (24).
The Revs building on an unbeaten 13-0-2 record this year when scoring the first goal, best in the league.
The Revolution setting a new MLS record with their 14th win in games decided by a one-goal margin (13-2-0).
GK Matt Turner (United States), F Adam Buksa (Poland), and F Tajon Buchanan (Canada) potentially returning from international duty for World Cup Qualifiers, during which they combined to earn nine caps for the United States, Poland, and Canada, respectively.
New England’s trio of Designated Players – F Gustavo Bou, F Adam Buksa and M Carles Gil – adding to their combined 24 goals and 21 assists.
Gustavo Bou (12) chasing Seattle’s Raul Ruidiaz (14) in the Golden Boot race, while Adam Buksa (10) ranks tied for seventh league wide.
Carles Gil continuing to lead MLS in assists (15), chances created (86), big chances created (20), chances created from open play (50), chances created from set play (36), and successful crosses/corners (65).
Gil (15) approaching the Revolution single-season assists records (19) and adding to his club-record seven game-winning assists, one away from tying the MLS record for a single season.
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